Ten Signs That You Are In A Musical, And What To Do Next
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| By
Harriet Wilson
(Updated on Sep 12, 2025)
Have you been feeling like you might be playing an unwitting part in a show? As Shakespeare said, 'all the world's a stage'- if that's hitting a little too close to home, read on to recognise the all-important signs that a dramatic tap number is headed your way, and what to do next...
Ten Signs That You're In A Musical
1. You find that you're often followed around by a group of people wearing co-ordinated outfits.
2. It's night-time. This inspires you to sing.
3. The lighting has just changed dramatically.
4. A day-to-day event has suddenly adopted a new meaning, and this inspires you to sing.
5. Something happens that is tenuously relevant but, more importantly, visually impressive.
6. It's morning. This inspires you to sing.
7. During a song, you have an epiphany that leads to a key-change.
8. It's raining. This... inspires you to sing.
9. You angrily shout “no!” and then burst into song.
10. There is a shoe, or a hat, or a cow, or a cape, or some hair, or a different shoe … you're about to roll a dice, or you're on a hill or a broom, in a car or in a helicopter – you feel pretty, or hide behind a mask; you have a cool umbrella, or enjoy tidying rooms, or you're a plant that lives off the blood of humans … you want to be like someone else, or it is midnight, or you killed a guy, or stole from a guy – you can't afford rent, but you can afford to jazz up a car and paint it pink; you want to be king, or you want to be famous, or you want a book … ALL of these things inspire you to sing.
What To Do Next
So you're in a musical. You're tap-dancing your way through all your worries, and trying to pretend that you're not out of breath when you have to sing at the same time. Everything is inspirational, and exciting, and bursting into song is just the done thing. Now what?
1. Bear in mind that singing lessons are never free – especially from people who randomly appear in mirrors and demand your unconditional love.
2. If you sing something important, remember it; you'll probably have to sing it again, though in a different key.
3. You're now allergic to dairy. Instead, drink honey in hot water.
4. Learn to judge the people who come into your life by the tune that accompanies their entrance.
5. (If somebody enters on a minor chord, keep a close eye on them.)
6. If someone starts singing or dancing nearby, be prepared to join in at exactly the right moment and know exactly what to do. Make it look natural.
7. If you find yourself next to a celebrity, it's not necessarily a good thing.
8. If you find yourself alone on a stage, pour your heart out in a self-indulgent yet powerful 11 o'clock number.
9. Spoken words are changeable and, ultimately, forgettable. But if it's been sung, it's official.
10. It's never only a bit sad, or quite good, or just an idea: it is the opportunity for an entire song and corresponding dance.
So there you go - you're prepared for any eventuality in your new theatrical life... just keep an eye out for homicidal barbers, evil lion uncles and hammer-throwing headmistresses!